You will need one on board anyways for permits.

I went to town hall to pull the files and found out the previous owner didn't obtain any building permits. 

Please address this in detail when time permits. 

@Fernando Ramirez you need to ask the city what is required for all approvals and time frame, if you have to install curb, gutter, sidewalks, street signs, street lighting, any specific street design requirements, DOT requirements or permits, DWQ requirements or permits, permit fees, proffers, water/sewer tap fees and process, bonding requirements, inspections and CO process.

I have been on the list for a leasing permit for a while now just incase I ever wanted to rent it out in the future.

I don't want to get into something that can come back to bite me.....fines, violations, restrictions on future improvements needing permits....many possibilities for repercussions. 

Some of the surrounding properties (mobile homes) have been cleared and replaced with small cabins, which I'm sure they're attempting to lease recreationally, to no avail.

Use grounded three prong surge protectors; Extension cords, plug adaptors and halogen lamps/bulbs are prohibited.Use microwaves, crockpots, toaster ovens, coffee pots, hot plates and other cooking equipment ONLY in the kitchen and not in the bedrooms or sleeping areas.Not permit the use of the laundry machines for any person that is not a Tenant.Shall not bring bicycles into the interior of the Premises (other than the basement).Tenant shall not hold, conduct or throw any large parties in the Premises.Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors alarms, a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector without a working battery will result in a fifty-dollar ($50) penalty for each infraction.Change out any broken or defective lightbulbsAllow Landlord to use Wi-Fi (if applicable) and electric to power smart home devices (if applicable) i.e. smart locks and thermostats.

@Brad Hammond its all comes down to the price... does the unit you added has permit? 

In neither case does Rhode Island look particularly great - compared to other areas of the country.For specific data sources, on the supply side you can check the Census new home building permits list for the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA MSA.